Epitalon is the synthetic version of Epithalamin — a polypeptide extract from bovine pineal glands used in Russian longevity research since the 1970s. The tetrapeptide sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly was identified as the biologically active core and has since been the subject of over 100 peer-reviewed publications, primarily from Khavinson's group at the Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in St. Petersburg.

Mechanistically, Epitalon stimulates telomerase activity and has been shown to elongate telomeres in human fetal fibroblasts in culture. It also regulates pineal melatonin production, normalizes circadian rhythm disruptions associated with aging, and demonstrates antioxidant effects. Unlike many peptides in this space, it has a substantial published research base, though much of it comes from a single research group.